Letters to the editor: On defending democracy
These letters published in the Sept. 11, 2022 print edition of the Las Cruces Sun-News.
A Union to protect democracy
The Union is an all-volunteer organization comprised of Republicans, Democrats and Independents. We pride ourselves on respecting each other, regardless of our differences, and we stay focused on our common purpose: Defend and promote our democracy which we worry is currently at risk by those who want to take away our freedoms and overrule our individual votes.The Union is a collection of volunteers, like you and me, who want to do something to help defend democracy. The Union exists to answer the question, “What can I do about it?” We partner with organizations that need volunteer help and then make those volunteer opportunities known to volunteers within The Union. Nationally, more than 59,000 have signed on including 346 from New Mexico.In New Mexico we are looking for people to help. Right now, we are mobilizing people to take part knocking on doors, conducting phone banking, showing up at rallies, writing letters to the editor, to be active on social media, and to do whatever it takes to stimulate pro-democracy voters. The Union is a flexible group, and we strive to do what needs to be done while working around people’s busy schedules.To accomplish our goal, we will sometimes need to convince each other to put principles above party. I’m personally excited about helping to build bridges and start repairing relationships which are often strained right now. This is such important work, and it feels like the country is depending on people like each of us to do it. We are not asking for money. We are asking for your energy.Do you share our concern about the future of our democratic republic? Can you help? Check us out at Jointheunion.us.
Jon Hill, Las Cruces
Support vocational high schools
I would like to add my support to John Foreman’s call for vocational high schools in New Mexico. We only need look at the apprenticeship program that Germany follows to see how successful such a program can be. I do not advocate the rigid academic channeling of the German system, but I do admire how well it works to recognize that young people have different skills and need to have this formally recognized.
A vocational high school path that teaches technical skills alongside academic courses would help keep young people, who might otherwise drop out, to stay in school, to the benefit of both themselves and society at large. To paraphrase John Gardner a bit: “We must have respect for both our plumbers and our philosophers, or neither our pipes nor our theories will hold water.”
Steve McLary, Las Cruces
Americans will pay for Inflation Reduction Act
This is in response to the letter from Nandini Kuehn,say "no" to Yvette Herrell. First, I'm an independent voter, and vote for who I think is best for all Americans not so party yes person. This lady talks about all the no votes from Rep Herrell, and yes most will be along party lines then there are some that are just bad for the average American. Let's discuss one of the bills the lady mentions, Inflation Reduction Act.
$6.5 billion natural gas tax and $1.2 billion coal tax. Both will increase household energy cost.
Corporate income tax hike on US businesses which will be passed on to the consumer.
$124 billion stock tax which will hurt your nest egg — 401(k)s, IRAs and pension plans.
95% federal excise tax on American pharmaceutical manufacturers.
$52 billion income tax hike on mid-sized and family businesses.
$124 supersizing the IRS to increase audits.
Understand that virtually every single penny of this bill will ultimately be coming out of the consumer's pocket.
Think this November before voting.
George Metz, Las Cruces
Renters need protections, too
This letter is in response to Steve Montanez who supports landlords as property owners who only wish to protect their investment. I live next door to a rental house that has a frequent turnover. This latest time I asked for the former renters to show me why they wouldn't stay. There was a long list of things like a stove whose elements didn't work and faulty ventilation that caused respiratory problems and windows that are loose and no gasket on the refrigerator. The owner of the house, who lives in California, refused to fix anything.
Renters have little recourse. I thought there was a renters' bill of rights that landlords have to follow to make a property livable but apparently not. If they are willing to endure the conditions for a while, they might be able to get assistance from legal aid but …
This situation is very frustrating for all involved when bad landlords are allowed to flourish.
Janice Hoffman, Las Cruces
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Letters to the editor: On defending democracy
